“This is a fantastic chance for Jalil to train with a world-class club,” said head coach Frank Klopas. “We’re very fortunate to have a partnership that affords our players with these opportunities.”

Since 2011, the Fire have been engaged in a strategic alliance with Atlético Madrid, Club América and Sport Club Internacional and four others clubs on a total of five continents in an effort to bring clubs together in the spirit of creating synergy as it relates to the growth of soccer, on-the-field-and-off. Anibaba is the first Fire player to take part in a training stint at Atlético Madrid.

In his sophomore season, the Davis, Calif. native led the Men in Red with 32 starts and was instrumental in a Fire defense that led opponents to just 41 goals this season, tied for second best in the Eastern Conference. Anibaba scored one goal and added one assist as the Fire qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2009.